This will be incredibly damaging not only to transgender students but to our economy. As venue owners in Tennessee our business is dependent on progressive touring bands and artists who have many options when it comes to routing a tour. Small & mid-size venues are plentiful across the country. They can easily leave Tennessee off the touring route. This is how we put food on our table to feed our family.

There are MANY venues, festivals and events who would feel this same effect across our state. If our revenue is impacted it means less tax revenue generated from liquor tax, sales tax and internet sales tax for online ticket sells for Tennessee.

If artists refuse to perform at a festival like Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN you could see a massive economic impact on this rural area and tax revenue generated for the State.

This is not progress and progress is a nonpartisan issue. Progress is essential to a healthy, vibrant business economy. This bill must be vetoed.